A Master List of U.S. State Parks With EV Charging Stations
Are you planning a road trip and wondering if you can charge your electric vehicle (EV) at a state park? There is excellent news for EV travelers: From 2016 to 2019, the National Park Service (NPS) installed nearly 100 electric charging stations in national parks to reduce air pollution and better preserve our park’s natural resources.
The NPA works diligently to offer electric car charging as a state park visitor amenity. Currently, there are over 10 states with electric vehicle charging stations in their state parks that are also available to the public. Plus, that number is steadily growing. Many states, like Tennessee, plan to install charging stations in most — if not all — of their state parks soon.
Can You Charge Your EV at a State Park?
It is possible to charge your EV at a state park. First, you will want to double-check that the state park offers electric charging as an amenity. Then you will need to ensure the electric charging receptacles are compatible with your vehicle.
For example, state parks with electric vehicle charging stations will have two types of equipment — networked and non-networked charging stations. Networked charging stations allow visitors to pay by cash or card, while non-networked charging stations require special processing like keypad payments or cash payments through a concessioner.
Different charging levels will also be available at various state parks, impacting how quickly you can charge your vehicle. Most state parks with charging stations offer Level 2 charging. However, when in doubt, visit the state park’s official website. The park’s webpage should include information about charging equipment and payment options available.
State Parks With EV Charging Stations
Where can you charge your electric car? Browse a master list of U.S. state parks with charging stations. Remember to check the state park’s webpage for details about their charging equipment and payment processes.
Massachusetts
- Cape Cod National Seashore
West Virginia
- Blackwater Falls
- Canaan Valley Resort
- Cacapon Resort
- Chief Logan
- Tygart Lake
- Hawks Nest
- Pipestem
- Twin Falls Resort
- Stonewall Resort
Pennsylvania
- Kinzua Bridge State Park
- Presque Isle State Park
South Carolina
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Santee State Park
- Paris Mountain State Park
Tennessee
- Radnor Lake State Park
Minnesota
- Big Bog State Recreation Area
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Tettegouche State Park
Colorado
- St. Vrain State Park
California
- Hendy Woods State Park
- Fort Ros State Historic Park
- Will Rogers State Historic Park
Washington
- Daroga State Park
- Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
When In Doubt, Plan Ahead
When you are ready for your next EV road trip, it is best to schedule your stops ahead of time to prevent running out of charge. Keep reading to learn more about planning for traveling long distances in electric vehicles.
Map Out Your Charging Stops In Advance
Using the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, you can also plan your travels around your charging stops or find charging stations nearest to you. Filter your search by your electric car’s charging type to ensure you find the charging spots that work for you. You can also use tools like Google Maps, PlugShare, ChargeHub or other apps to find charging stations.
Bring a Charging Kit or Adapter
Expecting the unexpected when planning a long-distance EV road trip is always good practice. If you get to the national park and discover you can’t charge your vehicle because the station is down, it’s important to have a backup plan — or you might need to call roadside assistance. To avoid this, bring a charging kit and adapter to plug your car into different charging receptacles.
Charge Overnight at a Local Kampgrounds of America Campground
If your state park does not include electric car charging, try to stay at or visit a local charge-friendly campsite or hotel. If possible, verify the camp includes the charging receptacles you need by calling ahead or checking online. It is also best to reserve your camp spot well in advance to avoid finding out the campground you hoped to charge at is fully booked.
Book Your Stay at a Charge-Friendly KOA Today
Are you ready to start planning your next electric vehicle getaway? Plan confidently by booking your stay at a KOA charge-friendly campground. Reserve your campsite today!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
